Jenko shares the glory (From News Shopper)

Jenko shares the glory

1:26pm Friday 10th October 2008 in

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CRAY boss Ian Jenkins has saluted his players and staff after their unbeaten league record in September earned him the manager of the month award.

The Wands’ impressive form in Ryman Division One South has propelled them into second place and the manager was only too keen to make sure the praise didn’t fall solely on his shoulders.

Jenkins said: “It is always nice to get an award like this, but it wouldn’t have been possible if the players and my coaches had not delivered on the pitch and in training.

“This shows how hard they have worked and I am delighted with how they have all started the season.

“We want to be up there playing good football and we are at the moment.

“October promises to be another good month because we’ve got some tough games coming up against sides in and around us in the table, which should be interesting.

“The good news is we’ve got some players coming back from injury and although it may give me a selection headache with everyone playing so well at the moment, it is the kind of problem I’m only too happy to have.”

While most people assume the manager of the month reward immediately produces a defeat, Cray defied the superstition by serving up a 4-2 win over Walton & Hersham last weekend.

Jenkins said: “We have created lots of chances and started putting them away lately. Last Saturday was a good result against a top team.

“They say getting the manager of the month is the kiss of death, but it is probably only half the truth.

“If you prepare well as we did, then you are always in with a good chance of a positive result and this is what the players went out and got against Walton.

“Certainly they don’t worry about the manager of the month award, they are far more concerned with their own performances.”

Cray continue their promotion bid tomorrow when they entertain Ashford Town at Hayes Lane.

Jenkins is expecting a tough test but is focused on making sure his side continue their own winning run.

He said: “It is always a difficult game at home to them because they have a habit of getting good results at our place.

“However, my assistant Joe Francis went to see them last week so we have a full report and will be prepared.

“Shawn Beveney and Jamie Kempster should both be back on the bench too, which is good news for everyone.”